May 24th 2016 – Life of Sacrifice and Blessings

“But you should keep a clear mind in every situation. Don’t be afraid of suffering for the Lord. Work at telling others the Good News, and fully carry out the ministry God has given you.” (2 Timothy 4:5)

The Christian life is filled with both blessing and suffering. The spiritual blessings we receive as children of God are a great reminder of our Father’s love for us, yet we must remember that we will also suffer for the sake of Christ.

(Romans 8:17) “And since we are his children, we are his heirs. In fact, together with Christ we are heirs of God’s glory. But if we are to share his glory, we must also share his suffering.”

The last chapter of 2 Timothy is Paul’s final written words. The apostle looks back over his life and sees a life poured out for the sake of Christ. His life was a life of sacrifice. He experienced persecution, shipwrecks, imprisonment and more. He also experienced the power of God through great miracles and visions. In the Christian life, these two things go together. As we sacrifice for Jesus, we will find great blessing and joy. You may not travel the world enduring persecution like Paul, but as you give up more of yourself for the Kingdom of God, you will share in both the sacrifice and power of Jesus Christ. What sacrifice could you make that would change the life of someone today?

“The irony in sacrifice is that you often exchange one thing of value for another with the latter being a true demonstration of where your heart lies.”

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, Thank You for the sacrifice of Christ for the removal of my sins. Give me the power to live a life of sacrifice for the sake of others. Open my eyes to the needs of others so that I can be a blessing. Fill me with Your Spirit and use me for Your Kingdom. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

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